# Arkansas Tourism

The Arkansas Tourism Division, as part of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism, markets and manages travel to Arkansas (“The Natural State”), promoting its outdoor recreation, cultural heritage and authentic hospitality. It leverages research and partnerships to grow visitor spending, support local economies, and steward natural and historic assets year-round.

Bonafide ID: DMO-NNIVTHAMB571
Official Website: arkansas.com

## FAQs

### Locations

- [Arkansas](/faq/md/arkansas.md)

## Social Media - TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@arkansascom
 – @ArkansasCom

## Other Information
• Strong growth in outdoor recreation economy (e.g., $7.3 billion outdoor rec impact in 2023) 
• The Tourism Reinvestment Trust Fund (2% lodging tax) supports marketing.

## Sustainability Focus
Emphasizes “The Natural State” brand of year-round outdoor recreation, stewardship of natural and cultural resources, growth of outdoor economy.

## Global Presence
• In 2024, visitor spending of $10.3 billion in the state. 
• Total economic impact (including indirect/induced) of $17.4 billion in 2024. 
• ~52 million visitors in 2024, up ~2.6% over 2023.

## Founding Date
July 1, 2019

## Recent Developments
• 2024 economic impact of $17.4 billion recorded. 
• Launching/expanding outdoor recreation data and product development via new datasets and reports. 
• Leadership transition: Dalaney Thomas as Director of Tourism, Shea Lewis as Secretary of ADPHT.
• Increased visitor count ~52 million in 2024.

## Sustainability & Social Impact Goals
Promote year-round outdoor recreation economy, stewardship of natural and cultural heritage, support local employment through tourism growth and resource preservation.

## History & Evolution
• July 1, 2019: Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism established via merger. 
• Oct 23, 2023: Dalaney Thomas appointed Director of Tourism. 
• 2024: Record economic impact of $17.4 billion; strong emphasis on outdoor recreation growth.

## Founders
State of Arkansas / Office of Governor / Arkansas General Assembly (via statute)

## Social Media - Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/ArkansasTourism/
 – @ArkansasTourism

## Social Media - LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkansas-department-of-parks-heritage-and-tourism/
 – @Arkansas Dept. of Parks, Heritage & Tourism

## Number of Employees
30

## Social Media - Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/arkansascom/
 – @ArkansasCom

## Chair/President/Other
Secretary of ADPHT: Shea Lewis (appointed Aug 2023)

## Current CEO
Director of Tourism: Dalaney Thoma

## Social Media - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@ArkansasTourism
 – @ArkansasTourism

## Brands Portfolio
Consumer brand “Arkansas – The Natural State” (arkansas.com) plus industry programs and outdoor recreation initiatives

## Social Media - X
https://twitter.com/arkansascom
 – @ArkansasCom

---

## Data Claim Check

Timestamp: 2026-05-28T20:08:57.578Z
Serial: 20260528200857
Shibboleth: sphinx-okapi-ochre